We’re Just Getting Started

Buddhadharma editor Tynette Deveaux reflects on the last fifteen years of the magazine, and reveals the exciting changes to come.

Inside the Fall 2017, 15th-anniversary issue of Buddhadharma: The Practitioner’s Quarterly

In this special anniversary issue, we celebrate with a selection of the best teachings and articles we’ve published over the last fifteen years.

Buddhism’s Call to Action

Jack Kornfield on the importance of contributing to activism with Buddhist practice and wisdom.

Training the Heart

Ajahn Chah says that if you want to transform the mind, you must to know and transform the heart.

Love Letters Sent by the Wind

“A single night of love is better than a hundred thousand years of sterile meditation,” he wrote. The life and poetry of Ikkyu, translated by John Stevens.

The True Dragon

If you are carving your own dragon, you will never see the real one. That’s why true zazen requires giving up your personal style of practice.

transgender identity man woman male female buddha anatta attachment buddhism sallie jiko tisdale andrew holocek narayan helen liebenson gender lion's roar ask the teachers advice buddha

Does my transgender identity conflict with Buddhism’s teachings on no-self?

I was born male, but I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m actually a transgender woman. As a Buddhist, I feel conflicted by the teachings on no-self.

Our Teachers Are Not Gods Confronting Abuse of Power Rob Preece

Our Teachers Are Not Gods

Longtime practitioner and psychotherapist Rob Preece says even though as students we may be devoted to our teachers, we can't afford to idealize them anymore.

An Olive Branch Be Proactive Abuse of Power Confronting Buddhism Sangha Teachers Misconduct Controversy

Confronting Abuse: Be Proactive

An Olive Branch presents an action plan for putting the necessary supports in place to protect sangha members from abuse

Buddhist prayer Mark Unno Buddhadharma Lion's Roar

If It Sounds Too Good to Be True…

When we pray, says Mark Unno, it’s important not to get caught up in magical thinking or to become attached to specific outcomes. Just praying is enough.

Sculpture of a face.

What Is Dream Yoga and How Do You Do It?

If you indulge your fantasies, lucid dreaming becomes super-samsara. If you go deeper, lucid dreaming can develop into dream yoga—spiritual practice.

Meditator holding an iPhone.

15 Buddhist Apps to Help Recognize You Don’t Really Need a Buddhist iPhone App

Sam Littlefair learns why there are so few Buddhist apps and how — even if they're not totally necessary — they might help you on your spiritual journey.

Why do Buddhists Pray Buddhadharma Lions Roar

An Invitation

It doesn’t matter if you don’t know whom you’re praying to, says Elizabeth Mattis-Namgyel. The very act of asking for help allows the heart to open and invite the world in.

ask the teachers, buddhadharma, lion's roar, marriage, spouse, thoughts, believe

Should I believe the thought that I want a divorce?

Three teachers answer the question: "How can I know whether or not I should believe the thought I wish I weren't married to my spouse?"

donuts

Krispy Kreme Mind

Jan Chozen Bays on the incessant desires that fuel our confusion and suffering.

Is My Sangha Inclusive?

When reverend Kiyonobu Joshin Kuwahara asked himself "is my Sangha inclusive?," he wasn’t sure of the answer. So he decided to find out.

When the Retreat is Over

Mingyur Rinpoche, who spent more than four years on wandering retreat, shares his most challenging moments as well as practical advice for returning home.

Mantra, Driving, Mother, Arunlikhati, Lion's Roar, Buddhism, Buddhadharma

That Driver Could Be Your Mother

Compassion and rebirth came together for me recently as I sat reflecting on how I nearly drove my mother off the road.

Should I Meditate If I Can’t Stop Thinking about Porn?

Bodhin Kjolhede, JoAnna Harper, and Repa Dorje Odzer answer the question "Should I meditate if I can't stop thinking about porn?"

Jhanas, Leigh Brasington, Concentration, Buddhadharma, Lion's Roar, Buddhism, Theravada

Entering the Jhanas

Entering the jhanas is not easy—the harder you try, the more difficult it becomes. But you can make yourself ready for them to open up to you.